Corporate affairs

Phillip Island Nature Parks was created by the State Government of Victoria in 1996 and comprises over 1,805 hectares of Crown Land set aside under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 “for the conservation of areas of natural interest or beauty or of scientific, historic or archaeological interest.” The Nature Parks is a not-for-profit organisation and is overseen by a Board of Management appointed by the Victorian Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water. The Nature Parks reports to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

Jeffrey Floyd is the CEO of Strategic Advisory and Facilitation Services Pty Ltd, a management and risk consulting business. He is an Adjunct Professor at Victoria University and has had a distinguished career as a CEO in both public and private sectors; including extensive experience in environmental management and tourism. As the former CEO of both Parks Victoria and Tourism Victoria, Jeffrey understands the critical need to pursue tourism business within a framework of environmental excellence and community consultation.

Board member from 21 July, 2010.

Stephen Davie

Stephen Davie lives in Cowes and his four children were also raised and attended schools on Phillip Island. Stephen is a Chartered Accountant and has operated his own accountancy practice on Phillip Island for the past 26 years. He also established and ran several tourism businesses on Phillip Island and was on the committee of the Phillip Island Tourism and Business Association Inc for over 10 years. Stephen helped form the Cowes Coast Action Group Inc and has been involved with other local groups. He is currently on the committees for the Phillip Island Homes for the Aged and the Phillip Island RSL.

Board member from 5 September, 2012.

Andrew Paxton

Andrew Paxton brings extensive experience and qualifications in Landscape Architecture, Business and organisation leadership. His MBA thesis explored the application of triple bottom line principles to park management. Andrew is currently the Director of Planning, Building & Health at Yarra Ranges Council and his previous roles in design, capital works and sustainability included Chief Ranger and Business Manager at Parks Victoria and management roles in local government.

Board member from 5 September, 2012.

Kevin Love

Kevin Love operates his own advisory business, specialising in project management, policy advice and governance. For over 20 years he worked at the Department of Agriculture in regional Victoria, including 12 years at Leongatha. Mr Love also worked with the Department of Premier and Cabinet as the executive with principal responsibility for advising Premiers Kennett and Bracks on policies, programs, institutional reform and major projects related to resources and infrastructure. In late 2002 he moved to the Department of Sustainability and Environment as Deputy Secretary, and led significant institutional and organisational reform, had responsibility for the State’s public land estate and assets and established himself as a national leader in natural resource management policy.

Board member from 9 August, 2013.

Dr Danielle Auldist

Danielle Auldist brings experience in project management, science and governance. As CEO of a Gippsland not-for-profit organisation, she oversaw the delivery of its strategic plan for many years. Its investments included projects that addressed extension, research and capacity building issues including environmental stewardship. Her experience in management is complemented by an agricultural science background and project development skills. Currently she works with a consultancy group conducting assignments for water catchment authorities, local and state governments and primary producers.

Board member from 5 September, 2015.

Shelley Lavender

Shelley Lavender brings strong ecotourism credentials and over 20 years experience working in not-for-profit companies at both Board and CEO level. These include current directorship of Ecotourism Australia, past employment as CEO in the education and tourism sectors and directorship of a large credit union. Consequently, she has a strong grasp of both operational and governance issues in the sector.

Shelley now works with Conservation Volunteers as a Lead Auditor of tourism operators which have Ecotourism certification. This gives her a unique perspective of the challenges facing the industry and an understanding of the need to balance tourism growth with environmental and community issues. As a resident of San Remo, she is very familiar with the service provided by the Nature Parks at ground level and is keen to assist with its development.

Board member from 5 September, 2015.

Kay Spierings

Kay Spierings is an experienced company director with extensive business management and corporate administration experience, specifically in the areas of strategy, national competition policy, organisational governance, policy formulation and business and financial management and administration. She is a primary producer with a keen interest in natural resource management, environment and sustainable agriculture. Kay is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Board member from 5 September, 2015.

Liz Stinson

Liz Stinson brings many years' experience at operational and management levels in teaching, community services and environmental education in Canada and Australia, and more recently in international business development in Australian universities, to her role on the Board. Currently the Executive Director, International at La Trobe University, Liz holds postgraduate qualifications in zoology, educational leadership and business administration, and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In addition to her new responsibilities with the Phillip Island Nature Parks Board, Liz's other board commitments include her local branch of the Bendigo Community Bank, and Community Housing (Victoria) Ltd.